Roughly 15 million households in the U.S. depend on private wells for drinking water. While effective, these water sources are more susceptible to contamination than more modern systems. As a result, agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommend well users organize annual tests to check for bacteria and other contaminants.
Fecal coliforms are the most common bacteria found in contaminated wells. The reasoning behind this is simple. Seepage from failing underground septic tanks sometimes mixes with well water. These bacteria causes a variety of illnesses, including dysentery and hepatitis. Of course, particularly acidic or basic well water can cause health problems, as well.
Well water users looking to test should talk to their mortgage providers and get in touch with a local water testing company. Alban Inspections performs such tests and deploys inspectors authorized to collect and screen water samples in all states.